I n m e d i c i n e, C e r e b r al softening (encephalomalacia) is a localized softening o f th e brain substance, due to h e m o r r h a g e or i n f l a m m a t i o n. Three varieties, distinguished by their colour and r e p r e s e n t i n g different s t a g e s of the m o r b i d process, a r e known respectively as red, y e l l o w, and white softening.